Student pleads innocent to school threat charge

Korey Robert Flad, 19, will stand trial on Feb. 2, 2010, on a lone felony charge of making a criminal threat to reportedly blow up three separate areas of Ramona High School.

Flad pleaded not guilty to the charge on Nov. 24 after appearing before El Cajon Superior Court Judge Peter Deddeh, who then set the trial date. Flad was ordered to stand trial on Nov. 9 by another judge in a preliminary hearing that included testimony from people who knew him.

Three high school students testified about conversations they had with Flad in October in which he made the alleged threat. The students, who were all minors, testified before El Cajon Superior Court Judge Patricia Cookson who then ordered Flad to stand trial on the single felony charge.

Flad remains free on $50,000 bond, but he is forbidden by court order to return to Ramona High School, said Deputy District Attorney Heather Trocha.

The order says for him to stay away by at least 100 yards from the school.

Also testifying in the hearing was sheriff’s detective Mike McNeill, who carried out a search warrant of Flad’s home last month after deputies learned of vocal threats by Flad.

Flad’s computer was seized, but the prosecutor said the analysis of it has not been completed.

No bombs, materials, or destructive devices were found, so it is unclear if Flad had any means to carry out the alleged threat. Flad had mentioned explosives, such as hand grenades, but none were found.

Parents of students were alerted by the school principal following Flad’s arrest on Oct. 25, but he also said students were not in any danger.

If convicted, he could face a three year prison term. His attorney said he had no criminal record.